Topic X Entrepreneurship:

An Overview
1
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1. Explain how entrepreneurship evolved and emerged as a leading
economic force in Malaysia since independence;
2. Identify the emerging industries available for Malaysian
entrepreneurs;
3. Discuss the emerging of entrepreneurship in the global scene; and
4 Analyse the importance of entrepreneurship in the context of
countrys development.

X INTRODUCTION
This topic introduces the evolution and development of entrepreneurship in the
Malaysian context specifically and the global arena generally. Here, students
would be able to learn about the underlying history contributing significantly to
the emergence of entrepreneurship. This topic will also explore the importance of
entrepreneurship as we examine the question on Why do we need
entrepreneurship?
2 X TOPIC 1 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN OVERVIEW

Figure 1.1: Entrepreneurship

Source: http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/e/entrepreneur.asp

Refer to Figure 1.1. Do you agree entrepreneurship skill is a talent? Or is it simply

a motivation and determination within a person.

1.1 ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN MALAYSIA

Entrepreneurship is a common trend that we can see in many countries around
the world. In Malaysia, entrepreneurship activities have been one of the most
important engine of growth for the past 50 years. The Malaysian Registrar of
Companies (ROC) has recorded an astounding amount of start-ups, with the total
number of companies registered hitting 766,087. This is in sharp contrast to
where we are many years ago. How did we get here?

1.1.1 Entrepreneurship: The Rising

A review of history clearly depicts that the climbing of the ladder was not easy.
The ruling of Malaya by the British colonialist back then set the stage for
segregated economies (Figure 1.2). It is known that the Indians were brought in
to work in rubber plantations, whereas the Chinese were employed at tin mines
or given trading rights to become shopkeepers and petty traders. The Malays
were confined mainly to the agriculture sector. Upon independence in 1957, the
three major ethnic groups agreed that the Malays would be granted special rights
in order to elevate their status and create an equitable society.
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Malay: Agriculture Chinese: Tin Indian: Rubber

Figure 1.2: Segregated economy during British colonial in Malaya

However, the growing discontent about economic inequalities sparked off racial
riot on 13 May 1969. The riot paved the way for the institution of the New
Economic Plan (NEP) in 1970. This plan focused on Bumiputera ownership and
partnership, improvement of Bumiputera participation in high income
occupation and subsequently, reducing the income gaps. Fundamentally, NEP
became the driving force towards the formation of the Bumiputera entrepreneur
community.

The NEP was eventually replaced with the New Development Policy (NDP). The
policy further strengthened the government endeavour in promoting
entrepreneurial development programmes. The establishment of the Bumiputera
Commercial and Industry Community (BCIC) and National Entrepreneurs
Corporation (NEC) facilitated the nurturing of Bumiputera entrepreneurs. Since
then, numerous new policies and support mechanisms have been developed for
Bumiputera entrepreneurs specifically and non-Bumiputera entrepreneurs
generally.

Figure 1.3: Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) was

established in 1992
Source: http://www.mtdc.com.my/
4 X TOPIC 1 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN OVERVIEW

In 1992, the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) was

established to augment the technical capabilities of entrepreneurs by offering risk
capital for promising ventures and also technical advice (Figure 1.3).
Subsequently, the setting up of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Cooperative
Development (MECD) in 1995 was one of the most significant steps taken by the
government to support entrepreneurial initiatives. The MECD was established to
foster cooperation between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera entrepreneurs in
strategic business besides coordinating entrepreneurial activities in general.

From 1971 to late 1990s, Malaysia has transformed from a producer of raw
materials into an emerging multi-sector economy, with strong reliance on
exports. However, the global economic downturn in 1997 strongly affected the
Malaysian economy. The Growth Domestic Products (GDP) increased by only 0.3
percent during the slump and 46,643 workers were retrenched from July 1997 to
June 1998. Understanding the predicament of high unemployment rate at that
time, the government arranged special assistance and support systems to
encourage entrepreneurship as an alternative source of income among the
retrenched workers.

MTDC set up five incubators in the country with collaboration of universities to

facilitate entrepreneurial start-ups in 1998. In addition, the Malaysian
government through the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC), set up
the MSC venture capital company to provide financial assistance and advice to
information technology start ups. As time went by, more effort was put in place
to promote entrepreneurial activities. Since the inception of the Second Industrial
Plan, the Third Outline Perspective Plan (OPP3), the Eighth Malaysia Plan up to
the recent Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010), various forms of support system
were derived in order to encourage entrepreneurial activities in emerging sectors
such as agriculture, manufacturing, information and communications
technology.

To date, there are 12 ministries and 40 government agencies that shoulder the
responsibility of developing small and medium enterprises (Utusan Malaysia,
2007). These agencies provide support such as financial assistance, advice and
training programs to facilitate the development of SMEs. A total of 190
programmes are currently in place to support these development initiatives. For
instance, Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) were developed to provide
financing for strategic activities as stated above. In 2005 alone, a total of RM47.5
billion was allocated for financing purposes  a 50 percent increase since 2000.
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The Role of Small and Medium Enterprise Bank

SME Bank (Figure 1.4) was introduced in 2005 to ease the financial burden of
start-ups and to assist start-ups in propelling themselves forward in the domestic
and international market. The Malaysia Venture Capitalist Association (MVCA)
provides financial assistance for all stages of funding. Bank Pembangunan
Malaysia Bhd was assigned the responsibility of financing capital intensive and
high technology industries, maritime and infrastructure. Additionally, women
entrepreneurship has been promoted intensively, with the establishment of
bodies such as the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia
(NAWEM). Essentially, with the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the government is moving
at full speed to promote entrepreneurship and achieve Thrust 1: to move the
economy up the value chain.

Figure 1.4: The main building of SME bank in Kuala Lumpur

Entrepreneurship in Malaysia has come a long way. There are a vast number of
industries that hold great potential as a fertile ground for new ventures. The next
section briefly lists potential industries in Malaysia that are favourable to new
start-ups.
6 X TOPIC 1 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN OVERVIEW

Table 1.1 below is a summary of the arising of entrepreneurships in Malaysia.

Table 1.1: The Rise of Entrepreneurship in Malaysia

Date Plan / Action
Before 1957 British colonial rule of Malaya set the stage for segregated economy
x Indians = rubber plantations.
x Chinese = tin mines.
x Malays = agriculture sector.
1957 Malaysia Independent
x Malays are granted special rights.
May 13, 1969 Racial Riots
1970 New Economic Plan (NEP)
x Bumiputera ownership.
After 1970 Replaced NEP with New Development Policy (NDP)
x Bumiputera Commercial and Industry Community (BCIC).
x National Entrepreneurs Corporation (NEC).
1992 Setting up of Malaysian Technology Development Corporation
(MTDC).
1995 Formation of Ministry of Entrepreneur Development (MED).
1997 - 1998 Global economic downturn:
x GDP increased only 0.3 percent.
x 44,643 workers were retrenched.
1998 MTDC set up five incubators in the country with collaboration of
universities.
MDC set up the MSC Venture Capital Company.
2005 SME Bank was introduced.
2007 12 ministries and 40 government agencies responsible for
developing small and medium enterprises
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1.1.2 Emerging Industries

There are many opportunities in the business arena that are waiting to be tapped
and hold great potential. Table 1.2 shows the major industries that call out for
new ventures based on the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Table 1.2: The Major Industries based on the Ninth Malaysia Plan
Types of Industry Description

Agriculture Revitalised as the third pillar of economic

growth which leans towards modern and
commercial scale production. Examples:
x Aquaculture, deep sea fishing and
seaweed.
x Herbs.
x Ornamental fish and floriculture.
x Halal products.

Modernised technology in oil palm and

rubber.
Manufacturing Application of high technology and
production of high value added products.
Examples:
x Electrical and Electronics.
x Petrochemical, maritime, aerospace,
heavy machinery, etc.
x Modernised home-based industry such
as batik, handicraft and so forth.

Information and Communications Use of information and communication

Technology technologies to enhance business process
as well as venturing into new ICT  related
investment activities. Examples:
x Information technology.
x E-commerce.
x Telecommunication.
x Networking.
8 X TOPIC 1 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN OVERVIEW

Table 1.2 (Continued)

Services Examples:
x Aviation maintenance, repair and
overhaul.
x Shared services and outsourcing.
x Transport and logistics.
x Business and professional services.

SELF-CHECK 1.1

1. Give examples of entrepreneurship activities. Review the

evolution of entrepreneurship in Malaysia and discuss.
2. What are the potential industries for new ventures?

1.2 THE GLOBAL SCENE

Entrepreneurship is growing rapidly not only in Malaysia. The emergence of
entrepreneurship is also making its way in the global context. Realising the
potential benefits of entrepreneurship, countries around the globe are embracing
it and initiating programmes that could fuel the growth of entrepreneurial
ventures. Listed below are few examples that show the acceptance of
entrepreneurship around the world:
(a) The emergence in China is one good example where many small and
medium entrepreneurial start-ups have grown at a significant rate through
foreign direct investments. SMEs in China are said to be responsible for
approximately 60 percent of Chinas industrial output and employ 75
percent of the workforce in China.
(b) Nigeria is one of the country in Africa that initiate non-profit organisations
such as the Fate Foundation. The existence of third foundation is to
promote entrepreneurial activities to overcome poverty and unemployment
in the country.
(c) While middle-income nations such as Peru (40.2%) tend to start more
entrepreneurial ventures compared to high-income countries like
Belgium (2.7%).
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(d) In the report of the International Entrepreneurship (www.international

entrepreneurship.com) it is indicated that that since the liberalisation of the
economy in 1990, entrepreneurship in India has grown by leaps and
bounds through institutional supports, better infrastructure, and training
provided by the government. The government effort to promote
entrepreneurship primarily in rural areas propelled India to the second
spot in the Total Entrepreneurship Activity (TEA) as per Global
Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2002.
(e) In a similar report in Indonesia, its 42.4 million SMEs contributed 56.7% of
GDP, which accounts for 19.4% of total exports and provide employment
for 79 million people.

In summary, the prevalence of entrepreneurial activities inclusive of early-stage

entrepreneurial activities and established business ownership in countries
around the globe is shown in Figure 1.5 and Figure 1.6.

Figure 1.5: Early stage entrepreneurial activity by country, 2006

Source: http://www3.babson.edu/ESHIP/upload/GEM_2006_Global_Report.pdf
10 X TOPIC 1 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN OVERVIEW

Figure 1.6: Established business ownership by country, 2006

Source: http://www3.babson.edu/ESHIP/
upload/GEM_2006_Global_Report.pdf

Globalisation is such a powerful phenomenon, with its impact felt by

entrepreneurial firms in industrialised and developing countries alike. It has
paved the way for international expansion and further encouraged the number of
new start-ups. New start-ups have the opportunity to explore new markets,
access critical resources or even establish partnerships with firms in other
countries. Although globalisation seems to bring about great expansion and
opportunities, it is important for the new ventures to grasp the fact that it also
exposes the business to increased competition. A sound understanding of the
global market lays the foundation for improved performance in the international
arena.

SELF-CHECK 1.2

Name various entrepreneurship initiatives introduced by different

countries?
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ACTIVITY 1.1

1. Identify and explain the historical development that leads to the

rise of entrepreneurship in Malaysia.

2. Discuss in group, why globalisation is such a powerful

phenomenon which impact is felt by entrepreneurial firms in
industrialised and developing countries such as Malaysia.

1.3 WHY DO WE NEED ENTREPRENEURSHIP?

Now that we are aware of how entrepreneurship has evolved in Malaysia, as

well as how it rapidly grew globally, we might wonder why entrepreneurship is
needed and is important. Figure 1.7 summarises the three main reasons why
entrepreneurship is vital.

Figure 1.7: Why do we need entrepreneurship?

12 X TOPIC 1 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN OVERVIEW

1.3.1 Source of Economic Vitality

Entrepreneurship is often said to be the catalyst for an improved economic
performance and poverty reduction. It could rejuvenate the market through the
creation of new businesses which pilots job creation and promotes dramatic
innovations. Fundamentally, entrepreneurship positively affects the strength and
stability of a countrys economy through:

(a) Innovation
Entrepreneurs are known for their nature of challenging status quo and
seize opportunities that could have been overlooked by others. Their
distinctive ideas propel new start-ups to move forward and inject the
industry with creative and innovative ways of doing business. It can be in
the form of new products or services, improved business processes or
discovering new markets for existing products. The formation of new or
improved businesses increases the competitiveness of the nations
industries in the global world and adds a boost to the nations economy.
The report by New Straits Time December 24, 2008 indicated that, small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) contributed 32 percent of the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP).

(b) Job creation

The Malaysia economic recession in 1997 that led to a massive companies
downsizing exercise was lesson that needs to be kept in mind. The
unemployment rate skyrocketed and retrenched individuals were left high
and dry. During that period of slump, entrepreneurship managed to
salvage the life of some of these individuals by providing an alternative
source of income.

At present, entrepreneurship is still needed to create new jobs in the

economy as large firms are no longer generating jobs as they once used to.
Large organisations are downsizing to cut cost and to remain competitive.
Furthermore, jobs are being eliminated through the employment of
technology instead of workers. Entrepreneurship is needed to create new
businesses that generate new jobs in the economy. For example, in the
report by Utusan Malaysia (2007) and SME Annual Report (2005), SMEs in
Malaysia generated employment opportunities for 5.6 million individuals
and is the major employer in the labour market.

(c) Globalisation
Globalisation has created an avenue for revenue generation in an economy
through export. Globalisation has also created more opportunities not only
to larger firms but also spill over effects to the downstream industries. This
 TOPIC 1 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN OVERVIEW W 13

spill over effects have had relatively positive impacts to smaller

entrepreneurial firms within the supply chain. In fact, theses smaller firms
has been successfully supporting the supply chain business of the larger
multinational corporations in Malaysia through the concept of vendors.

1.3.2 Improved Quality of Life

Entrepreneurs are closely associated with innovation. Their innovative nature
has brought about the birth of new and improved products and services that
make life easier, improve productivity, and entertaining  in other words,
improve the quality of life. For instance, Air Asias strategy as a low-fare, no-frills
airline in Asia with frequent flights in routes not covered by mainline operators
has given many people the opportunity to fly.

1.3.3 Impact on Larger Firms

Attempts to remain lean and competitive has not only caused large organisations
to downsize but to also outsource. Outsourcing involves using outside suppliers
or vendors to perform task that are otherwise performed internally. For example,
large firms may outsource the production of components  which will later be
assembled into products the large firms manufacture, to smaller entrepreneurial
firms. Essentially, entrepreneurial firms are needed to perform these task and
contribute to the effectiveness of larger firms.

SELF-CHECK 1.3

1. Why is entrepreneurship deemed important to our economy?

2. Think of other examples that show how entrepreneurship
improves the quality of life.
3. Entrepreneurial firms have a positive impact on larger firms. Do
you agree? Explain.
14 X TOPIC 1 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN OVERVIEW

1.4 WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME?

It is undeniable that entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in the development of a
nation and betterment of the society. However, the question to ponder is What
is in it for me?

One thing you need to bear in mind is that large organisations are no longer
providing the job security they used to. Therefore, you need to prepare yourself
to venture out into the labour force on your own and establish your future.
Learning the nuances of entrepreneurship and mastering those skills will
definitely come in handy when you intend to start your own venture.

Entrepreneurial ventures also allow you ample room to pursue your own ideas.
Independent in executing your creative ideas and reaping the benefit from it is
possible in your own entrepreneurial start-up. In a nutshell, you are your own
boss!

ACTIVITY 1.2

Visit SME Info at http://www.smeinfo.com.my/. Review the

programmes, assistance and support systems available for SMEs in
Malaysia. Discuss if these initiatives are sufficient for the development
of SMEs. Provide your suggestions on how can we improve the
support systems for SMEs in Malaysia?

x Entrepreneurship in Malaysia has grown and will continue growing with the
financial and advisory support provided by the Government.
x Entrepreneurship was given a head start in Malaysia with the inception of the
New Economic Plan (NEP).
x Agriculture, manufacturing, services and information and communication
technology are the emerging industries that hold great potential for new
start-ups in Malaysia.
x Entrepreneurship is the driving force for economic performance through
innovation, job and wealth creation, and increased income through export
activities.
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x Entrepreneurship is innovation in the marketplace that promotes the

establishment of high-growth firms.
x An entrepreneurs creative endeavour creates new and improved products
that brings about business growth, improvement in productivity, job creation,
enhanced economy and better quality of life.
x Entrepreneurial firm provide support services to large organisations that seek
to outsource their production or other internal tasks such as research and
development.

Economic vitality Large firms

Entrepreneurship Globalisation
Innovation Outsource
Job creation Quality of life